Background

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Mixed Media Prayer Journal Cover Design

So far, I really like the way this journal design is evolving. I've had a chance to play with some of my favorite stamps, embossing pastes, laces, and artwork to pull together the covering for my latest project.

The cover art piece is a painting by Thomas Gainsborough, one of my two favorite artist, Reynolds being the other. This portrait is of Countess Mary Howe painted in 1763. There is a brilliance in how her costume has been painted. Wearing a lightweight summer dress of pink silk overlain by an apron of lace and layers of lace on the arms. Her pearl necklace is stunning and set off her delicate face.

I used different laces and small pearls to compliment the artwork and bring out in a tactile way, those elements across the cover.

The use of mulberry paper flowers, stained, and brushed in clear gold glitter adds a richness that would be expected by Countess Howe if this were her book. I added a vintage gold and rhinestone crown to add some metal detail to the design. I feel challenged to add at least one piece of vintage jewelry (a passion of mine) to each item I design.

The books spine was a particular design effort as it is 2 1/2" wide and 9" in length and I wanted the book to be able to stand up on a shelve if that is the way I wanted to display it. So the spine needed extra strength and attention.

I used extra-heavy weight cardboard stock, then ran it through a damask embossing folder to create the relief. Painted it with Silks acrylic glaze which added tons of shine. Wanted the look of rich oiled leather. Added the vintage style old gold metal plate and title paper Prayer Journal.

Added a metal element of a key plate after dying with gold ink as it was copper color. Put a title banner across the front Oh Lord, hear my prayers.

You can watch the step-by-step mixed media tutorial of this whole process on my YouTube channel faithfulcrafter1. If you like this type of tutorial, please like, comment, and subscribe.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Creative Spot

About Me

Hello, my name is Valerie. I enjoy making hand-made Christian gifts and stationery. Love to play with papers, rubber stamps, paints, inks, fibers, well...just about all crafting mediums to recreate a vintage European style in all my pieces. Feel blessed to be able to share my Christian faith through my designs. Live on Running Waters Farm with my "better half" husband Bill, our horses, cats, goats, and chickens. I'm a wine-maker, gardener, food preserver, wife, mother, and Grandma. Whew! Thanks for stopping by.

Please Be Inspired

This blog is meant to inspire you, both creatively and spiritually. All artwork, hand-made items, text and photography (unless otherwise credited), are mine . Please do not copy any materials without receiving written permission first. Thank you.